Where the label goes
The base, almost always. It is out of sight when the box is on a shelf lid-up, and it is the face an assistant turns over to scan.
A recessed label area is worth specifying — the label sits flush, it does not peel at the corner, and it looks like part of the box rather than something stuck to it.
Scanning through a wrap
A barcode printed directly onto a textured or nap material will not scan reliably. It goes on a smooth applied label, or on a smooth panel built into the base for that purpose.
Labels that come off cleanly
Where a customer takes the box home, a label that leaves adhesive residue undoes the impression the box just made. A removable-adhesive label, or a label positioned where it will be under the piece rather than on the exterior, avoids it.
Printing variable data
Where each box carries a different SKU, that is variable printing on a label rather than on the box itself. The box is printed once; the labels are printed per order, which is the right way round.
Planning it early
A recessed label area is a die change, so it has to be in the drawing. Adding it after tooling means new tooling, which is the reason this ends up mentioned late and paid for twice.
At a glance
| Question | The answer |
|---|---|
| Where | The base, in a recessed area |
| Barcode surface | Smooth — a label or a built-in smooth panel, not nap |
| Customer-facing | Removable adhesive, or positioned under the piece |
| Variable data | On the label, not on the box |
| When to decide | At drawing stage — a recess is a die change |
Frequently asked questions
Can you build a label recess into the base?
Yes, and it has to be in the drawing — a recess is a die change, not an adjustment.
Will a barcode scan off velvet?
No. It needs a smooth label or a smooth panel built into the base.
Can you print each box with its own SKU?
That is variable printing on a label rather than on the box. The box prints once; labels print per order.
Will the label damage the box when removed?
With a removable adhesive, no. Standard label adhesive leaves residue, which undoes the impression the box just made.
Tell us what you need
Tell us the piece, your brand and the quantity you have in mind. We’ll send photos of our work and one clear, all-in quote.